21 Amazing Photos From Serena Williams' Grand Slam Wins So Far

Serena Williams — the Maya Angelou-quoting, crip-walking, split-slayer of a superhero — is one step closer to tying Steffi Graf's Grand Slam championship record. After beating Agniezska Radwanska Wednesday in the semifinals at the Australian Open, she gets her chance at her 22nd Grand Slam win at Saturday's finals match against Angelique Kerber.

It's been a long and triumphant road to this point. So let's take a trip back to 1999 when Williams first stepped on the national championship scene as another powerful tennis player from Compton, California. Here are some great photos — and a gif! — from Queen Serena's reign.

1999 U.S. Open: Williams wins her first Grand Slam championship at 17 years old.

Source: KATHY WILLENS/AP

2002 French Open: This was the first of five straight wins against her sister Venus.

Source: CHRISTOPHE ENA/AP

2002 Wimbledon

Source: GERRY PENNY/Getty Images

2002 U.S. Open

Source: STAN HONDA/Getty Images

2003 Australian Open: Williams completes the first "Serena Slam," winning four straight Grand Slam titles in a row.

Source: TONY FEDER/AP

2003 Wimbledon: This championship was Williams' last of the year. She underwent knee surgery, and her sister, Yetunde Price, was killed in September.